Postpartum Care and BUBBLE LE Assessment

Postpartum Definition

• Postpartum period is the first six to eight weeks after childbirth, or until the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state
• The period can last longer than eight weeks
• Giving birth is a significant physical and emotional challenge
• Being a caregiver and adjusting to life with an infant is demanding

BUBBLE LE Assessment

• Breasts:
  • Assessed for engorgement, tenderness, redness, pain, nipple condition, and latch-on technique
  • Engorgement is common 2-3 days postpartum
  • Warm packs, warm showers, supportive bras are helpful
• Uterus:
  • One hour after delivery, the fundus is firm and at the level of the umbilicus
  • Descends 1 cm per day and should be nonpalpable by 14 days postpartum
  • Assessed for height, position, and tone
• Bowel:
  • Assessed for bowel sounds, return of bowel function, flatus, stool consistency, and prescribed stool softeners or laxatives
  • Stool softeners are recommended
• Bladder:
  • Assessed for return of urination, urine amount, and symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Should be nonpalpable
  • Encourage adequate fluid intake and report UTI symptoms
• Lochia:
  • Vaginal discharge consisting of blood, mucus, uterine tissue, and other materials
  • Gradually subsides to a lighter flow
  • Stages:
    • Lochia Rubra: Dark or bright red blood, heavy flow, mild cramping, small clots (lasts 3-4 days)
    • Lochia Serosa: Pinkish brown discharge, less bloody, moderate flow, little to no clots (lasts 4-12 days)
    • Lochia Alba: Yellowish-white discharge, little to no blood, light flow or spotting, no clots (lasts 12 days to 6 weeks)
• Episiotomy/Perineum:
  • Assessed for redness, swelling, pain, and drainage
  • Ice packs, sitz baths, and pain medication are helpful
• Lower Extremities:
  • Assessed for edema, redness, warmth, and pain
  • Early ambulation and compression stockings are encouraged
• Emotions:
  • Assessed for mood swings, anxiety, and depression
  • Support and resources for postpartum mood disorders are vital

This quiz covers the essential aspects of postpartum care, focusing on the definition of the postpartum period and the BUBBLE LE assessment method. Learn about the physical and emotional challenges faced after childbirth, and how to properly assess the breasts, uterus, and bowel during this crucial time. Test your knowledge and understanding of postpartum health.